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Property Market Update – Horley, Surrey August 2025

Horley Town

1. Current Price Trends

  • Average sale prices in Horley have been climbing steadily: around £480,275 based on 399 transactions in the past year
  • As of July 2025, the average price paid is approximately £441,000, reflecting a strong 11.6% year-on-year rise
  • mayhews report the average over 12 months at £476k, moving up from £458k in 2024 and currently reaching around £513k in 2025

2. By Property Type

  • Flats (entry-level): selling in the £220k–300k range
  • Terraced homes: typically £370k–400k
  • Semi-detached: average £450k–550k
  • Detached homes: from £600k to over £1 million, depending on size and location
  • Broader market trends: detached houses average around £543,500, while flats average £193,250, with typical time on market around 12 weeks

3. Most Sought-After Areas

  • Meath Green (northwest Horley): highly desirable, offering spacious family homes, period properties, newer developments, strong schools, local amenities, and countryside access (e.g., Emlyn Meadows)
  • Thomas Waters Way (southeast): discreet modern family home development that’s proving popular
  • Westvale Park (northwest of town centre): a large new development contributing significantly to housing stock growth

4. Advice for Sellers

  • Be realistic in pricing: While average prices are up, recent individual sale prices often came in below initial asking, underlining the importance of accurate valuation
  • Highlight location strengths: Homes in Meath Green or Westvale Park often attract stronger buyer interest due to space, school catchments, and green spaces.
  • Focus on presentation and timing: With detached properties in high demand and market momentum expected to lift prices by around 4% in 2025 Mayhews Estates, staging, minor renovations, and listing early can help.
  • Use comparative data: Showcase recent similar sales (e.g. flats vs terraced homes vs detached) to support your valuation narrative.

Summary Table

Property TypeTypical Price RangeBuyer Demand
Flats£220k–300k (others say ~£193k avg)Entry-level, good value
Terraced Homes£370k–400kSteady interest from families
Semi-Detached Homes£450k–550kStrong appeal for growing families
Detached Homes£600k–£1M+Premium market, sought-after

Takeaway

Horley’s property market is robust—prices are climbing, and areas like Meath Green, Thomas Waters Way, and Westvale Park remain top of the wishlist. Sellers who price strategically, stage well, and leverage local market data should benefit from the strong demand and favorable momentum.

if you require any advice on the local market or wish to sell a property contact us on 01293 775 518 or vist mayhewestates.co.uk

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East Grinstead Housing Market Report Aug 2025

Executive summary

  • East Grinstead is a stable, commuter-friendly market in the High Weald AONB with a mix of period town houses, suburban family semis/detached and nearby villages attractive to buyers.
  • Typical sold/asking prices sit in the mid-£400ks; detached homes are the top value band while flats and terraces sit substantially lower. Recent data shows small year-on-year dip or flatness locally, set against a broadly sluggish UK market with pockets of recovery.

Data snapshot (most recent available)

  • Rightmove (asking / listed average, last 12 months): ~£455,000 (overall average). Detached average ~£665k; flats ~£243k. Market has been ~3% down year-on-year and ~6% below the 2022 peak.
  • Zoopla (sold prices, last 12 months): average sold price ~£436k. Detached ~£612k; semi ~£463k; terrace ~£372k; flats ~£235k.
  • Home.co.uk (sold/asking breakdown): reports similar banding (detached highest—c. £690k in some snapshots; overall averages in the low-to-mid £400ks).
  • Micro-area growth: some postcode analyses show modest growth in the last year (example: RH19-4 +5.9% year on year in one modelled dataset), but small-area performance varies.

Recent trends and market drivers

  • Flat to slightly negative near-term movement: portals show East Grinstead prices broadly static to a few percent down versus the prior year — matching the South East’s weaker performance in early/mid-2025.
  • Buyer demand pockets: stronger for family 3-4 bed houses, period cottages and well-presented detached homes. Flats and higher-priced, high-spec homes see slower velocity. On the whole, buyer enquiry is most active where value aligns with realistic pricing.
  • Macro context: surveyors’ cautious valuations and variable mortgage pricing have introduced uncertainty nationally; mortgage sentiment and any future Bank of England rate moves will strongly influence activity. Summer months usually bring more viewings, but sellers must be realistic on price.

Popular areas & neighbourhood highlights

  • Town centre / High Street (historic core) — desirable for period properties, character cottages and convenience; strong for buyers wanting town amenities and schools nearby.
  • East Court / Ashplats — leafy parkland, close to recreation and woods (Ashplats/AONB), popular with families and those wanting outdoor space.
  • Imberhorne area / catchment — favoured by families because of Imberhorne School (large comprehensive with good local reputation). Proximity to good schools drives demand and premiums.
  • Nearby villages (Forest Row, Turners Hill, Felcourt/Turners Hill fringe) — attract buyers wanting village life and larger plots while keeping commuter access to Gatwick/London. Forest Row is noted locally as an attractive village within easy reach.

Property types currently most in demand

  • 3–4 bedroom semi-detached / detached family houses — highest enquiry & fastest sales when priced correctly.
  • Well-presented period cottages and townhouses — strong buyer interest for character and central location.
  • Bungalows / down-sizers — popular with older buyers wanting single-storey living close to town amenities.
  • Flats — steady but lower prices and longer marketing times compared with houses.

Time on market & negotiation (market feel)

  • Portals and agent commentary indicate longer marketing windows for overpriced stock; well-priced family homes and cottages still achieve reasonable times to sale. The market rewards realistic pricing and presentation. (See national commentary and local agent reports for similar advice.)

Practical advice — Sellers

  1. Price to current demand. Use recent sold comparables (last 6 months) not aspirational asking prices; over-pricing leads to long marketing times.
  2. Presentation matters. Small investments (declutter, fresh paint, good photos, floorplan) increase viewings and offers. Agents report that homes “ready to move into” outcompete those needing work.
  3. Target the right buyer segment. Market family houses to young families/commuters; period cottages to couples and buyers seeking character; bungalows to downsizers. Use school catchment and transport links as selling points.

Practical advice — Buyers

  1. Be mortgage-ready. Get an Agreement-in-Principle and be prepared to move quickly on strong family homes. Valuations can be conservative — allow a buffer.
  2. Check schools & commute. If Imberhorne/other catchments matter, confirm catchment maps and travel times. Factor commuting to Gatwick/London into budgets and times.
  3. Use local agents for market intel. Agents often have upcoming stock and local insights that portals don’t show.

Short-term outlook (next 6–12 months)

  • Expect modest movement rather than sharp rises: local prices likely to be flat to modestly up or down depending on mortgage rates, buyer confidence and stock levels. Quality family homes in good locations should remain the most resilient. National commentary warns of cautious valuations but also flags that any easing of rates or improved lending could re-stimulate activity.

If you require any advise or guidance on the local property market or wish to sell a property please get in touch 01342 316 444 www.mayhewestates.co.uk

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Housing market to get big boost from mortgage rule changes

Scrapping affordability checks for remortgagers will provide access to better deals and increase buyers’ spending power.

The property market is set for a significant boost as the Financial Conduct Authority’s boss Nikhil Rathi  unveils plan to scrap affordability checks for homeowners looking to remortgage, giving them access to potentially cheaper deals and boosting buyer spending power.

The proposed changes are the result of government pressure on the city regulator to loosen its rules to stimulate economic growth. They are intended to inject fresh impetus into the housing market by enhancing competition between lenders and lowering the cost of owning a home.

Cheaper deals

The FCA has launched a consultation on the changes, which would mean lenders would be able to accept new customers who aren’t borrowing additional money without conducting an affordability check, provided they are up-to-date with repayments and offered a rate equal to or better than what they could secure with their existing lender.

According to the FCA’s consultation document: “These reforms would deliver cheaper mortgage deals to consumers by making it easier to shop around.”

Currently, up to 90% of homeowners stay with their existing lender when their deal ends, often because product transfers require less paperwork and no affordability assessments.

These proposals could be transformative for the housing market.”

“These proposals could be transformative for the housing market,” says Chris Mayhew from Mayhews: “This would be a really sensible step that would benefit large numbers of people, particularly during periods of upheaval that seem to be getting more common.”

The increased spending power from cheaper mortgage deals is expected to translate to higher property valuations and increased transaction volumes. Market analysts are predicting that the proposals could create a virtuous cycle where enhanced competition between lenders leads to better mortgage deals, enabling buyers to stretch their budgets further and stimulating movement up and down the property ladder.

This regulatory shift follows earlier FCA guidance in March that allowed lenders to be more flexible with stress testing rules, and many major high street banks have already reduced their criteria.

The consultation remains open until June 4, with the regulator also planning to publish a further discussion paper next month examining “risk appetite” in mortgage lending, assessing the balance between looser affordability rules and potential increases in defaults.

Please get in touch for more advice.

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Renters’ Rights Bill explained: what does it mean for landlords and tenants?

The Renters’ Rights Bill was introduced to the UK Parliament with its first reading in the House of Commons on 11 September 2024. As of 15 January 2025, the Bill has now completed its passage through the House of Commons and had its first reading in the House of Lords, with the second reading scheduled for 4 February 2025. We have put together this important update to help you understand the main points currently set out in the Bill.

Once the Bill has had its third reading in the Lords, if there are any amendments from the Lords the Bill will be sent to the Commons for agreement, to ensure that both Houses approve the contents. So, there could be further changes before it receives Royal Assent. It’s also worth noting that all of this applies only to Assured Shorthold Tenancies.

So, what’s in the Bill?

We have updated the following to include amendments which have been made to the Bill so far.

1. The end of Assured Shorthold Tenancies

a. Section 21 to be abolished as soon as the Bill comes in; it will be replaced with section 8, which will allow landlords to gain possession of their property using prescribed grounds only.

b. The prescribed grounds for possession will be updated to include mandatory grounds if a landlord wants to sell or move back in; in these cases landlords will be required to give 4 months’ notice and such notice cannot expire earlier than 12 months from the start date of the tenancy. The mandatory and discretionary grounds will also be updated for a tenant who is in rent arrears, involved in anti-social behaviour or breaches the terms of their tenancy agreement.

c. The end of fixed term tenancies; tenancies will be periodic from the start of the tenancy.

d. Rent periods will be limited to monthly or less, and rent will only be payable on the due date, unless the tenant wishes to pay sooner.

2. Rent increases will be restricted to once a year and by way of a formal Section 13 notice only, with tenants having the ability to challenge a rent increase through the First Tier Tribunal.

3. Tenants will be able to serve 2 months’ notice (or less if agreed otherwise) in writing to end their tenancy from the start of their tenancy, and common law suggests a tenant’s notice should expire at the end of a rental period. For example, if the tenant’s notice period is two months, and the rent due date is 1st of the month and the tenant serves notice on 15th June, the notice would be to 31 August. If one tenant gives notice to leave, they are binding all tenants to that notice.

4. Tenants will have the right to request a pet and a landlord will not be able to unreasonably refuse such a request unless the superior landlord doesn’t allow pets.

5. Agreed rent cannot be higher than the advertised rent and bidding will not be allowed above the advertised rent.

6. Landlords cannot discriminate against those who receive benefits or those with children living with them or visiting.

The details of the following changes will be set out in secondary legislation, meaning that some or all of these changes will not initially be rolled out.

7. Landlords will have to sign up to a Landlord Redress Scheme, with landlords required to sign up before the property is marketed. This will allow tenants to seek redress against landlords and is expected to be cheaper and quicker than going through the court system.

8. Landlords will need to sign up to a PRS database, registering themselves and their property before the property is marketed.

9. All tenants must be provided with a written tenancy agreement.

10. Awaab’s Law will apply to the Private Rented Sector, outlining set times to investigate and repair certain issues.

11. Decent Homes Standard will also apply to the Private Rented Sector to ensure minimum acceptable property standards.

When are these changes coming in?

The date for these will be dependent on when Royal Assent is received. It is rumoured to be in Summer 2025, except where secondary legislation will be required.

What will enforcement look like?

Local authorities’ enforcement powers are to be strengthened and extended, with civil penalties being increased up to £7,000 for initial or minor non-compliance and up to £40,000 for repeat offences.  Rent Repayment Orders could be demanded on some of the new offences, with penalties being increased from 12 to 24 months’ rent; superior landlords and company directors could now also be liable.

The government have produced a set of guidance alongside the Bill, which can be found here.

How can we support you?

At Mayhews we are committed to ensuring all our Landlords are ready and compliant for this new legislation. We are here to help and assist any Landlord that require help and assistance.

If you choose to have your property managed by Mayhews, you will have an expert responding to any property-related issues and access to our panel of contractors. This is why, as a client of Mayhews, you can rest assured that your asset is in the best possible hands.

As your Partners in Property, we will continue to keep you updated as this progresses. If you have any queries, please contact us.

Andrew Youd

Lettings Manager

01293 781 483

[email protected]

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February and March are the best months to sell

February and March are typically the best months to list a home for sale, based on the likelihood that the home goes on to sell successfully. Our analysis looked at millions of properties listed for sale since 2012, excluding 2020 due to the pandemic. 

Nearly seven in 10 homes (66.3%) listed for sale in February and March since 2012 go on to complete a sale, the most out of any month.  

February also has the joint quickest time to find a buyer on average historically, alongside January, at 51 days for a typical home to find a buyer, closely followed by March and April at 52 days. 

In good news for those who have already come to market or are perhaps thinking about coming to market a little later this year, April and January are just fractionally behind February and March as the best months to list a home based on the likelihood to complete.  

It has been an encouraging start to the year for buyer activity, which is positive news for sellers considering coming to market. After the first full month of the year, the number of potential buyers contacting agents about homes for sale is up by 8% compared with the same period last year, and the number of sales being agreed is up by 15%.  

If you are thinking of selling this year please get in touch.

www.mayhewestates.co.uk

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Changes to stamp duty will boost first time buyers

Upcoming changes to stamp duty will “motivate” first-time buyers to buy a property, according to the Halifax.

The average price of a UK home ended 2024 close to the £300,000 mark, said Chris Mayhew from Mayhews estate agents in East Grinstead and Horley.

The calculations suggested UK house prices increased by 3.3% when comparing the end of the year to the start, although the average value dipped slightly in December.

It means the average home now costs £297,166.

In April, house buyers in England and Northern Ireland will start paying stamp duty on properties over £125,000, instead of over £250,000 at the moment.

First-time buyers currently pay no stamp duty on homes up to £425,000, but this will drop to £300,000.

Affordability remains ‘a challenge’

The Halifax’s figures come a few days after rival lender, the Nationwide, said that the UK housing market had been resilient in 2024, with a 4.7% increase in prices at the end of the year compared with the start.

The two lenders use their own mortgage data, and have slightly differing criteria when calculating house prices, so the Nationwide puts the average property price at almost £270,000.

Both lenders do not include buyers who purchase homes with cash, or buy-to-let deals, in their estimates. Cash buyers account for about a third of housing sales.

The Halifax estimate of the average home now costing close to £300,000 will be met with dismay by many first-time buyers, but comes in the context of sharp differences in prices in different parts of the country.

However, Chris Mayhew director at Mayhews said stamp duty changes in April would give prospective first-time buyers “even greater motivation to get on the housing ladder and bring any home-buying plans forward”.

“Mortgage affordability will remain a challenge for many,” she said.

“However, providing employment conditions don’t deteriorate markedly from a more recent softening, buyer demand should hold up relatively well and, taking all this into account, we’re continuing to anticipate modest house price growth this year.”

Stamp duty will affect market

Housing experts expect sales to increase over the next few months, ahead of the stamp duty changes.

Alice Haine, analyst at Bestinvest, said: “This will deliver a particularly heavy hit to first-time buyers who will not only need to raise enough money for a deposit but also enough to cover the higher tax bill.”

The Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey recently said “the world is too uncertain” to make accurate predictions of when interest rates will fall, and by how much.

Have the upcoming changes to stamp duty motivated you to buy your first property? If so you can register your requirements here www.mayhewestates.co.uk

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The Hidden Perils of Overpricing Your East Grinstead Home

In the dynamic UK property market, understanding local trends is crucial, especially for those selling homes in East Grinstead, and the surrounding villages. While broader market trends are important, the local nuances of East Grinstead’s property landscape can significantly impact your home selling strategy.

The Importance of Correctly Pricing Your East Grinstead Home

Setting the right asking price for your East Grinstead home is more critical than ever. Overpricing can deter potential buyers, especially when they have a specific budget in mind. Homes priced above the market average for East Grinstead and its villages are likely to be overlooked in search results, leading to fewer viewings and interest.

An inflated price can also signal to buyers that you’re not serious about selling or open to negotiation. This can result in your property staying on the market longer than necessary, potentially leading to price reductions and a stigma attached to your listing.

The Impact of High Mortgage Rates and Regional Disparities

The current high mortgage rates are affecting buyer demand across the UK, including East Grinstead. This has led to a decrease in the number of properties sold. However, East Grinstead’s market shows resilience compared to other regions, with its unique appeal to buyers seeking village charm and proximity to London.

The Local Scene in East Grinstead

In East Grinstead, the property market has its unique dynamics. The area has seen an increase in properties coming onto the market, but with a slight drop in demand. This makes it even more crucial to price your home correctly to stand out in a competitive market.

The Future of East Grinstead’s Housing Market

While the immediate future may not show dramatic price growth, East Grinstead’s housing market is expected to remain stable. Factors like its desirable location, community appeal, and connectivity to larger cities make it an attractive area for a diverse range of buyers.

Conclusion

For sellers in East Grinstead and its surrounding villages, understanding these local and national trends is key to making informed decisions. While the market faces challenges, setting a realistic price aligned with local market conditions is essential for a successful sale.

Key Points

  1. Correct Pricing: Essential for attracting serious buyers in East Grinstead.
  2. Market Trends: Understanding local and national trends helps in making informed decisions.
  3. Buyer Demand: Influenced by high mortgage rates and regional appeal.
  4. Local Dynamics: Unique to East Grinstead’s property market.
  5. Future Outlook: Stability expected in East Grinstead’s housing market.

FAQ

  1. Why is correct pricing crucial in East Grinstead?
    Correct pricing ensures your property appeals to the right buyers and doesn’t linger on the market.
  2. How do high mortgage rates affect East Grinstead’s market?
    They reduce overall buyer demand, making competitive pricing more important.
  3. What makes East Grinstead attractive to buyers?
    Its village charm, proximity to London, and strong community appeal.
  4. What should sellers in East Grinstead focus on?
    Aligning their asking price with current market conditions and buyer expectations.
  5. Is now a good time to sell in East Grinstead?
    With the right pricing strategy, it can be an opportune time to sell.

To find out the current value of your home call our East Grinstead office on 01342 316 444 or click on the link https://mayhewestates.co.uk/arrange-valuation/

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Property market predictions for 2025

Mayhews 2025 Property Market Forecast

Nothing seems to stop the relentless march of property values, even with a stamp duty increase looming. It’s been a bumpy ride for the housing market in recent years, after Liz Truss’s disastrous mini budget of September 2022 created a surge in borrowing costs that have cost many households dearly.

But despite elevated mortgage and rent costs, the market last year has turned out to be “surprisingly resilient”, according to Nationwide building society. Experts had expected house prices to stay flat or fall, but average prices are expected to have risen by more than 3% in 2024, after falling by 1.4% in 2023.

Looking ahead to the new year, house prices are predicted to grow at a similar or slightly faster rate in 2025 – before accelerating to as much as 5.5% in 2026 – while record rent increases are likely to return to more normal levels, lenders and estate agents predict.

The for-sale market should get a boost as interest rates come down – albeit at a slower rate than was previously expected as inflation proves sticky – and people’s incomes could rise faster than house prices.

The average price of a UK home now nears £300,000 according to the lender Halifax, stretching affordability for many potential buyers. First-time buyers in particular have struggled to save up for a deposit after record rates of rental growth in recent years.

Forecasts from Nationwide, Halifax, Jones Lang LaSalle, Rightmove, Hometrack and Capital Economics range from 2% to 4% price growth in 2025. Activity in the housing market has been underpinned by strong wage growth – running at 5.2% in October 2024 – and slightly lower mortgage rates. The number of mortgages approved for house purchase each month rose above pre-pandemic levels towards the end of the year.

The Bank of England has cut interest rates twice this year, in August and November, to 4.75%. However, since Rachel Reeves’s autumn budget, economists and traders have scaled back their expectations for further rate cuts because the chancellor’s £40bn of tax rises are forecast to push inflation slightly higher than it would have otherwise been. That – coupled with sticky services inflation at 5% – limits the central bank’s scope to reduce borrowing costs.

Financial markets are expecting another two to three rate cuts in 2025, which would take Bank rate from 4.75% to potentially 4% by the end of the year. “Activity in the UK housing market is going to be holding up quite well, given the environment,” said Robert Gardner, Nationwide’s chief economist. “But we’ve got to be realistic about how much more it’s going to strengthen given those affordability barriers. They are likely to improve gradually in the period ahead.”

He added: “Lower interest rates will help, and income growth outpacing house price growth will also help. But it’s going to take time for that process to have much of an effect.”

Mortgage rates have edged higher in recent months but an increasing number of lenders have been able to make some reductions to fixed deal Mortgages. The average two-year fixed mortgage costs 5.46%, while the average five-year fix is at 5.23%.

Fixed mortgage deals below 4% that were on offer between late July and September have all but disappeared.

Sub-4% deals are important because it is a “psychological threshold”, said Tom Bill, head of UK residential research at the upmarket estate agent Knight Frank.

“We’re firmly back above 4% for anything that’s a two – or five-year fix, You have a certain amount of people that need to move because of schools and jobs. But when mortgages dip below 4%, you start to see more discretionary demand kick in, and that will be slower to come back.”

Lenders are likely to cut their mortgage rates in January to drum up business and “you may see the odd sub-4% mortgage even in the first six months, but I’m not sure you’re going to see that widespread choice of three-something-per-cent mortgages that we had late summer.” In addition, changes to stamp duty from 1 April are likely to generate volatility, property experts said, as buyers rush to complete before that date to avoid paying more as a result of a lower stamp duty threshold, and an extra band added into the stamp duty thresholds for second home purchases. So January to March should be busy, with a lull from April.

For tenants, 2025 should see private rental growth normalise, with average rent increases expected to fall sharply to 4% or lower. They rose by 9.1% across the UK in the 12 months to November, according to the ONS, and by 9.3% in England, a record high.

There had been an uptick in the number of available rental properties, and pointed to mounting financial pressure on tenants. “With average rents now close to 40% of incomes, many tenants are struggling to absorb further cost increases, despite rising wages. This has resulted in fewer people entering the market and more renters negotiating lower prices.”

However, some landlords may sell up, faced with the renters’ rights bill, reducing the number of properties on the market.

For expert advice on all things property contact Mayhews today….

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Property Market Update

Property Market Update for Surrey and Sussex – November 2024

Surrey:

House Prices:

  • The average house price in Surrey is £500,300, which is 70% higher than the national average for England and Wales
  • Detached houses have seen the most volatility, while flats and maisonettes have been more resilient

Sales Volume:

  • November 2024 recorded the worst sales volume on record for Surrey, with only 681 transactions
  • Epsom & Ewell had the strongest sales volume compared to last year, at 58% of the previous year’s figure

Market Trends:

  • House prices in Surrey have fallen short-term but have risen long-term
  • The base rate, currently at 5.25%, is expected to come down slightly in the coming months, potentially increasing buying power and house price growth

Sussex:

House Prices:

  • House prices in Sussex have remained relatively stable, with slight fluctuations depending on the area
  • The average house price in Sussex is slightly lower than in Surrey, reflecting its broader range of property types and locations

Sales Volume:

  • Similar to Surrey, Sussex has seen a decrease in sales volume, though not as pronounced
  • Coastal areas like Brighton and Hove continue to attract buyers, maintaining higher transaction levels compared to inland areas

Market Trends:

  • The market in Sussex is expected to see moderate growth heading into 2025, with a forecasted 4% house price increase
  • Rental demand remains high, particularly in more affordable areas, driving rental price growth

Overall, both Surrey and Sussex are experiencing a period of adjustment, with house prices stabilizing and sales volumes reflecting broader economic conditions. The anticipated reduction in the base rate could provide a boost to the market in the coming months.

For a more detailed look at the housing market trends click on the rightmove link below

House Price Index
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What to do when your neighbour’s house is for sale too

There are a number of issues when your house is in competition with a neighbour’s property, and if you get your timing and marketing right, they can actually help yours to sell.

Here’s my guide to selling when your neighbour is selling too:

Don’t wait until they sell before putting yours on the market – often, property competition is positive, generating more interest and viewings for each homeowner.  How many times have you seen a street with lots of sold signs on it? Interest begets interest, and it can actually create a buzz around the area with viewers booking to see more than one property.

Do your homework – you need to find out all you can about the other property, so that you know how well it compares with yours.  Does it have a bigger kitchen, but a smaller garden? Has it been decorated more recently than yours? Is it shabby chic to your minimalism style? Look carefully through all the photographs you can find on the agent’s own website and on Rightmove and Zoopla, and try to look at them through a buyer’s eyes. How does your house compare?

The best way to find out about your neighbour’s house is to….

Talk to them – if you don’t already know your neighbour, (and hopefully you haven’t fallen out!) then go and talk to them about your properties.  If you can both see it as a joint marketing opportunity, you have a much better chance of both getting what you want: a sale.  Be as honest and open with your neighbour as you can, and discuss your reason for moving (you better hope you aren’t theirs), timescales, even the price they need.  You are much stronger as a united front.  If you open up with them, there’s every chance they will do likewise.  You could even agree between you not to drop your asking price without first speaking to the other.

Selling when you have competition can be a real opportunity to sell your house more effectively!